Publisher's Summary

In the spring of 1984 Dan Gilvezan walked into an audition for a half-hour animated TV series and walked out an hour later with a role in a show that would change the landscape of television in the late ’80s: A show called The Transformers. As the voice of Bumblebee, the little yellow Volkswagen, Gilvezan was there from the very beginning, witness to the birth of an entertainment industry phenomenon that continues to surprise and delight audiences to this very day.

Bumblebee & Me takes you behind the scenes of the original Transformers television series for a first-hand look at the making of a classic. Experience the controlled chaos of the recording sessions, learn the secrets behind creating a character voice, get to know the members of the cast close up and personal. Chock full of stories, reminiscences, anecdotes and never-before-seen photographs, Bumblebee & Me is sure to satisfy even the most knowledgeable and discerning Transformers fan.

I listen to it quite often. Dan Gilvezan's voice is normally pleasant to the ear, but hearing the emotion and *joy* he clearly has for having been so lucky to be a part of something that's meant so much to me and thousands of others just gets me RIGHT in the feels. :) :) :)

There is more than Transformers in the book, mostly about the business of voice acting and what has happened to voice acting in the years since, but I cannot lie, I bought it because of being a Transformers fan. Everything else - icing! :)

I also have the Kindle book, and as far as content there's no difference. But if you want the FULL experience, GET THE AUDIO!!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Julie

Port Angeles, WA, United States

27/07/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"A must for any fan of early 1980's cartoons"

If you could sum up Bumblebee & Me in three words, what would they be?

Informative, Clever, Highly Entertaining

What did you like best about this story?

"No bars held" feel

What does Dan Gilvezan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

First hand experience. Hearing his story in his own voice brings with it a greater understanding.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Near the end of the book when Mr. Gilvezan talks about the last Transformer episode.

Any additional comments?

I would recommend this read to not only Transformer fans but anyone who considers themselves a fan of the early 1980's cartoons. It would also benefit anyone interested in becoming a voice over actor as the story is part of the history of voice over acting

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Mark

Salt Lake City, UT, United States

4/10/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"delightfully cute"

Where does Bumblebee & Me rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

it was an absolute joy

What about Dan Gilvezan’s performance did you like?

as a voice I've enjoyed hearing since I was a child (starting with Spiderman and friends) it was delightful to hear him telling his own story. It brought back a lot of nostalgia

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

more than meets the eye

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Chip Brooks

Colchester, vt United States

10/09/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Enjoyable"

Would you consider the audio edition of Bumblebee & Me to be better than the print version?

I didnt read the print version but it was great to hear that voice and think about the old days as a kid.

What did you like best about this story?

That Dan provided the voice.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Gabriel

Boisbriand, QC, Canada

16/01/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"Short, sweet and to the point. Gotta love Dan!"

If you could sum up Bumblebee & Me in three words, what would they be?

An amusing and honnest look at the ups and downs of voice acting in the 80s.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bumblebee & Me?

How Dan described the way the actors all had to leave the booth when takes were made that included the character of Seaspray.

What does Dan Gilvezan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dan has an amazing voice and the fact he wrote the book means that he knows where to emphasize. This feels like you're sitting with him around a campfire listening to his life experience. It's amazing to hear the magic and emotion behind the words he wrote.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I'd say that the most emotional moment is when Dan talks of his experience with Chris Latta. He is very honnest about what that was like, and from what I know of Dan, this is very likely to be close to the real deal. He doesn't alter what the facts were, and it presents a large level of melancholia about Chris Latta that most others would probably not have had the honnesty to say.

Any additional comments?

Get this audiobook, really, it'll beat the crap out of any TV show you might waste your time on. It's great for that 2 hour car drive to see grandma, and the kids will enjoy it just as much as the nostalgic adult.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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Thermonuclear

21/06/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Short but sweet!"

A great insight into the world Of Generation 1 Transformers from a different angle, but more importantly from someone that was there!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Matthew

28/04/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Excellent account of a classic series."

What did you like most about Bumblebee & Me?

It is an honest account of a kids show that was based on a popular toy line, full of anecdotes and reverence for the characters and people who worked on the show. The actors working on the show clearly respected their characters and their audience so it's understandable that any changes to the show just to sell more toys would irritate the cast. Dan Gilvezan shares his views openly about what worked and what didn't but doesn't comes across as critical which is refreshing.

The short run time makes you wonder if there are more stories that could be told about the G1 television show but it is a fun audiobook that makes the listener want more.

This audiobook comes highly recommended.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The audiobook is full of interesting moments as Dan recalls personality traits and fun moments of his co-stars and their antics which makes their stories just as enjoyable as the stories they performed. Clearly, the voice actors of the G1 show were a great team to be a part of and the listener will get as much enjoyment hearing about them as Dan obviously gets as he narrates his story.

The anecdote regarding Peter Cullen and Frank Welker at his birthday party was particularly good!

Any additional comments?

Overall, a fun audiobook that is worth the money, do purchase this audiobook!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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